With a life expectancy of 51 years for the general population in 1912, hazardous employment such as coal mining, tall structures with little thought given to safety, mind-numbing factory work and various unpleasant workplaces, it made perfect sense for the Church to become involved in supplying a safe place for orphaned children to have chance at a better life.
Bishop Theophile Meerschaert realized the desirability for such an institution had true merit.
However, his experience in Mississippi before coming to Oklahoma with such a ministry had been problematic. The Orphans Record, the diocesan publication of the day, stated, “Bishop Meerschaert followed the advice of Saint Paul in so momentous a matter and made haste slowly.”
For such a project to succeed, large donations were paramount. While some came forth, many had stipulations attached such as location and other problems that were simply unacceptable to the bishop. After much wailing and gnashing of teeth, a section of land was purchased between Oklahoma City and Yukon, on the then-newly constructed interurban line (now NW 39 Expressway). While Bishop Meerschaert was attending his ad limina visit in Rome, diocesan administrator Monsignor Mutssaers, pastor of Saint Joseph Cathedral, procured five additional acres to add to the original 27 and a half.
Father John Kekeisen, pastor of Newkirk, was appointed the first director. Realizing the difficulty of the assignment, he was hesitant to accept. On March 1, 1912, he moved into an incomplete house built on a sandy hill in a blackjack grove. For $12,000, the main building was opened in October 1912, staffed by four ever-present Sisters of Mercy, who always seemed to be available for any ministry.
Shortly after its dedication, Saint Joseph’s Orphanage was bursting at the seams and further expansion became necessary. By 1923, construction was completed for two new wings – accommodating 400 children.
Cottages were also added on the property to provide housing for the aged. These served the diocese until 1946, when they were to be used for a seminary until a more permanent structure could be supplied. Much later than originally hoped, the Saint Francis de Sales Seminary, in what is now the Catholic Pastoral Center, opened in
A new home for the elderly, Saint Ann, was dedicated in 1950, on Northwest 19th in Oklahoma City. It was replaced by the current Saint Ann on Britton Road. Still presently functioning as Villa Isenbart (named after the director of Catholic Charities who built it), it continues to serve the senior population as an affordable housing project.
Saint Joseph’s Orphanage continued until 1965, but the number of children had decreased dramatically as foster care had become more readily available. It became clear that short-termed placement for abused and neglected children was the evolving need. The property on 39th Expressway was sold and a new facility, now called Saint Joseph’s Children’s Home was born.
With the sale of the property, an important era had come to close. Throughout the history of the Church, ministries were created out of need. It became apparent that orphanages were a construct of the past. However, hundreds of children owe much to the decades of service given in the pursuit of providing a more fruitful life.